May is Military Appreciation Month, a time to honor the sacrifices and dedication of those who have served and those who continue to serve. At Veterans’ Employment Services (VES), our commitment to veterans is not limited to a single month—it’s the core of who we are, every day of the year.

Our team is made up entirely of veterans, which means we understand firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with transitioning to civilian life, searching for meaningful employment and building a stable future. We walk alongside our fellow veterans, providing guidance, support and connection to opportunities that transform lives.

Whether it’s May or any other month, the entire VES team is committed to standing with you, because we’ve been where you are and we know the way forward. Our service to you is not just our job, it’s our mission.

As always, if you need support, go to Michigan.gov/VES or stop by your local Michigan Works! Service Center and let them know you've served.

Help bring awareness and attention to POW/MIAs, veterans and their families during the 2025 Nationwide Ride for Freedom on Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25!

Those in west Michigan will meet at Sandy's Harley Davidson on Saturday from 3-7 p.m. for a flag retirement and plaque presentation. They'll meet again at the American Legion Boat & Canoe at 8 a.m. on Sunday, make a short stop at the Belding War Memorial then ride to the state capital at 10 a.m.

Those in east Michigan will meet on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a flag raising ceremony and pre-ride events at Motor City Harley in Farmington Hills. Registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday at the same location and the group will leave for the state capital at 8:30 a.m.

Learn more about the event here.

Cintas Corporation, a Fortune 500 leader, helps more than one million businesses get Ready for the Workday®. Through a wide range of products and services—from uniforms and restroom supplies to first aid, safety training, and fire protection—Cintas enables businesses to operate cleanly, safely and confidently every day.

But what truly sets Cintas apart isn’t just its scale or services—it's the company’s deep commitment to hiring and supporting America’s veterans. That commitment earned them the Silver-Level Veteran-Friendly Employer designation from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency—an honor the company carries with pride. 

At the heart of that mission is Jacquie Wood, a U.S. Army veteran and Human Resources Manager at Cintas’ Northern Michigan location. Jacquie joined the Army ROTC program at Central Michigan University shortly after 9/11 and later deployed to Iraq in 2008, serving as a postal platoon leader in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After returning home to Manton, MI, she transitioned into the civilian workforce and found a new mission with Cintas.

“During the hiring process, I was impressed by how meticulous and intentional the company was—not just in hiring practices, but in their commitment to veterans,” Jacquie said. “As someone who values structure and clear processes, I appreciated how much the Cintas culture aligned with what I loved about the military.”

That structure proved critical during a major transition in 2024, when Cintas relocated its physical branch from Fife Lake to Traverse City. While the move strategically placed the branch closer to its largest customer base, it also required many team members to adapt to significantly longer commutes.

“From an HR perspective, it was a major change management challenge,” Jacquie explained. “But our leadership team remained upbeat and supportive throughout. We involved our front-line partners every step of the way—inviting them to tour the new space during renovations and contribute ideas for the layout. That buy-in made all the difference.”

Jacquie credits her military background with shaping how she approaches leadership today. “The camaraderie and teamwork that veterans miss most about service are very much alive at Cintas. The people I work with are just as talented and dedicated as the soldiers I served with. I learn from them every day.”

Veterans like Jacquie and her colleague Justin Phillips, the Traverse City Branch Manager and a Marine Corps veteran, are part of a growing community at Cintas. The company actively recruits veterans through a variety of programs and partnerships. As a SkillBridge employer, Cintas helps service members transition into civilian roles before their military separation. Internally, the VALOR Partner Business Resource Group—short for Veterans-Military Accelerating Leadership Opportunities & Resources—provides mentorship, leadership development and community engagement opportunities for veteran employees.

Further strengthening this mission, Cintas partnered with Veterans' Employment Services to create a sustainable pipeline of veteran talent. This partnership is designed to be a win-win—offering veterans meaningful career opportunities while helping Cintas fill roles with highly skilled, mission-oriented individuals who bring proven leadership and discipline to the workplace.

“We are always excited to hire veterans,” Jacquie emphasized. “They bring discipline, professionalism, and a unique sense of purpose to the workforce. That value is recognized from the front lines to the executive level.”

With its structured approach, mission-driven culture and unwavering support for those who’ve served, Cintas isn’t just getting businesses ready for the workday, it’s helping veterans get ready for the next chapter of their careers.

Traverse City draws visitors from all over thanks to its stunning natural beauty. Nestled between the shores of Lake Michigan and rolling vineyards, it's a hotspot for outdoor lovers, offering everything from sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters to hiking and biking trails. The area is also famous for its cherry orchards, local wineries and farm-to-table dining, making it a foodie’s paradise.

With so much to offer, it’s no surprise the city sees a surge of visitors year-round—especially in the summer. But with that popularity comes logistical challenges, including the growing need for well-managed parking. Traverse City takes tremendous pride in managing its parking infrastructure, including multiple garages and meters throughout the city.

This is where Stephen Minster comes into play. He was hired by the city as a Parking Support Specialist, tasked with overseeing the financial operations of the city’s parking system to help keep everything running smoothly.

Stephen is a prior-service Navy veteran who served honorably as a Quartermaster. After his service, he earned a bachelor's degree in finance. Eager to apply his skills in a civilian career, Stephen turned to Veterans’ Employment Services for support. Veterans’ Career Advisor Brandon Latusek helped him refine his resume, while Veterans Employment Representative Pat Muoio tapped into his professional network to help him find a job. Pat reached out to Jason Johnson, a Human Resources Specialist with the City of Traverse City, who recognized Stephen’s potential and quickly added him to the interview list. Shortly thereafter, Stephen was hired.

“Being able to serve my community again in a meaningful way has been deeply rewarding,” shared Stephen.

The City of Traverse City takes pride in supporting those who have served. As a certified Veteran-Friendly Employer, the city works regularly with Veterans’ Employment Services to attract, retain and support veteran employees. They also participate in conferences focused on enhancing the value and experience of veterans in the workplace. Currently, nearly 6% of the city’s workforce is made up of veterans—a number that reflects their ongoing commitment to those who served.

The annual observance of Professional Trades Month honors hard-working Michiganders in professional trades while encouraging students and adults to explore education and career opportunities leading to high-wage, in-demand careers.

With nearly 518,300 Michigan jobs and approximately 40,600 annual openings in the professional trades projected by the year 2032, there's no better time to explore professional trades careers! Head to Pathfinder.MiTalent.org to create your roadmap to a career in the professional trades. 

Camp Liberty will be hosting a fundraiser and family picnic event on Saturday, June 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by to enjoy a fun-filled day with: 

• 50/50 raffle 
• Petting zoo
• Food trucks
• Aircraft displays 
• Inflatables 
• First responder & military vehicles 
• Property tours 
• Live music by the Renegades Band

There is a suggested donation of $5 per person. Children 4 years and younger are free. The price includes admission and activities. Learn more at CampLibertyMichigan.org.

Welcome to the Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) Newsletter. Our mission is to assist you and your family secure meaningful careers in Michigan.

The concept of veterans helping veterans is a trademark of the VES team and one of the keys to its success. Veterans face many challenges when transitioning out of the military – finding meaningful employment should not be one of them.

• Veterans in need of employment assistance should contact the nearest Michigan Works! One-Stop Service Center by calling 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visiting MichiganWorks.org.
• More information about Veterans’ Employment Services is available at Michigan.gov/VES.
• Register today and start your job search at Pure Michigan Talent Connect at MiTalent.org.